PM Modi welcomes AIADMK merger

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After 6 months of split, both factions of AIADMK merge; O Paneerselvam becomes the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and AIADMK convenor; EPS continues to be CM; Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes merger, assures of all support from the Centre.

After six months of wrangling, the two rival factions of the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu merged on Monday. One faction led by Chief Minister Palaniswamy and the other by former Chief Minister and rebel leader O Pannerselvam.

The formula worked out for the merger has Paneerselvam as Deputy Chief Minister and party convener, while E. Palanisamy continues as Chief Minister with the tag of joint-convenor of the party. After the merger was announced, O Pannerselvam took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the Raj Bhavan.

Earlier, both Palanisami and Pannerselvam had reached the party headquarters, a place Pannerselvam was visiting after a hiatus seven months and he was warmly welcomed by party workers. After the warm reception, the press was told that Pannerselvam would be made Deputy Chief Minister. Initially he was to take oath on Tuesday at 4.30 pm, but in a sudden change of plan Pannerselvam went straight to the Raj Bhavan and took oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

Chief Minister E. Palaniswami said the merged entity will work to make the dreams of Amma come true. Meanwhile Pannerselvam observed that no force could break the party unity again.

"Our first priority is to get the party's election symbol back. The party will fulfil the promises of Amma (Jayalalitha) with her blessings. She said AIADMK will remain for 100 years... even after that. 11 members of the Coordination Committee will run the party. "

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the AIADMK, and assured the State Government of all support. Prime Minister Tweeted : I congratulate Thiru O Panneerselvam & others who took oath today. I hope Tamil Nadu scales newer heights of progress in the years to come. Centre assures all possible support to CM Thiru Edappadi K. Palaniswami & Dy CM Thiru O Panneerselvam for the growth of TN.

There is a possibility of a reshuffle in the State cabinet and some other supporters of party convernor Pannerselvam getting cabinet berths. After party supremo Jayalalitha's demise, a battle for succession broke out between Sasikala and O Pannerselvam leading to Pannerselvam creating his own faction within the party.